Obama fundraises off going gray

It's commonly said that the stress of the most powerful job in the world ages American presidents at twice the age of their contemporaries. For President Barack Obama, that's a fundraising opportunity.

The latest email appeal from the president to his supporters lightly mocks his own graying hair while urging donors to donate for a chance to win an invite to a birthday party and fundraiser at his Chicago home.

"When I decided to run for president, I had significantly fewer gray hairs than I do today," the president writes in the fundraising ask. "Michelle says I've earned them, which is the nicest possible way to say I'm getting older. In fact, I'm turning 51 in a couple weeks, and to celebrate I'm heading home to Chicago for a get-together at my house."

The email goes on to encourage supporters to donate to the president's campaign for a chance to visit Chicago and attend the fundraiser.

Obama has frequently mentioned his admittance to the "gray hair club." At a Democratic National Committee fundraiser last year, the president repeatedly referenced his changing appearance.

"Some of you have noted that I’ve now turned 50. And these are dog years that presidents live, so the gray hairs are accelerating much more rapidly than I anticipated,” Obama quipped.

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